The Oyo State Government has intensified its crackdown on illegal petroleum product sellers operating along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, as part of efforts to improve security and eliminate roadside hazards.
Operatives of the Oyo State Special Task Force on the Removal of Shanties and Illegal Structures on major roads on Friday raided several black market fuel points along the expressway in Ibadan.
The enforcement team, led by the Executive Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Security Matters and Head of the Special Task Force, Sunday Odukoya (rtd), apprehended some suspects and confiscated equipment used for the illegal sale of petroleum products during the operation.
Speaking with journalists during the exercise, Odukoya said
“the state government would not relent until the illegal activities are completely eradicated, stressing that the sale of adulterated petroleum products poses serious safety and security threats to residents and motorists”.
He said, intelligence reports indicate that many individuals involved in the illicit trade are also linked to other criminal activities around the corridor, explaining that while some suspects openly sell petroleum products illegally during the day, security reports suggest that suspicious activities often occur around the same locations at night.
Odukoya noted that exotic vehicles are frequently sighted in the area late at night, raising concerns about possible criminal operations.
“We have issued several warnings to them to stop these illegal acts, but they have refused to comply. We will continue enforcement until they desist completely,” he said.
The task force head disclosed that some offenders had previously been arrested and prosecuted in court, adding that each offender was fined about ₦200,000. He noted that the current operation was not the first attempt by authorities to curb the illegal trade.
He further explained that despite repeated warnings and earlier enforcement actions, many operators had remained defiant, prompting the government to intensify the crackdown.
Odukoya also revealed that the state government had taken proactive measures to improve safety and visibility along the expressway by clearing large portions of roadside vegetation, about 50 metres on both sides to enable motorists, to see clearly while driving.
He called on members of the public to support the efforts of security agencies by refusing to patronise illegal fuel sellers and by reporting suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
“When you see something, say something, so that the appropriate authorities can act and ensure peace in the community,” he said, assuring residents and motorists that the task force would sustain its operations to restore safety and order along the corridor.
The enforcement operation involved a joint security team comprising personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority, officials of the Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, as well as operatives of the Amotekun Corps.
